Simon Cowell joins 'America's Got Talent' as judge

Simon Cowell will be a judge on the upcoming 11th season of NBC's hit summer series, "America's Got Talent."

The former "American Idol" judge, who created the "Got Talent" format that launched with "AGT" in 2006, joins the show as judgeHoward Stern has said he won't be returning for the next season.

"I am really thrilled to be joining 'America's Got Talent' next season," said Cowell. "What I love about this show is that it's open to absolutely anyone. America has some fantastic talent just waiting to be discovered, and I would like that talent to come to our show, including any dogs who can sing!"

PHOTOS: Simon Cowell through the years

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Simon Cowell through the years

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Simon Cowell joins 'America's Got Talent' as judge

Simon Cowell during Record of the Year 2001 at Hard Rock Cafe in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Fred Duval/FilmMagic)

Simon Cowell during Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Christina Christian of American Idol Leave MTV's TRL - August 18, 2002 at Times Square in New York City, New York, United States. ***Exclusive*** (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)

Paris Hilton and Simon Cowell during Scary Movie 3 Los Angeles Premiere - After Party at The W Hotel in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Simon Cowell during Simon Cowell Signs Copies of His New Book, 'I Don't Mean To Be Rude But...' at Barnes And Noble, Rockefeller Center in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Debra L Rothenberg/FilmMagic)

HOLLYWOOD - APRIL 20: Television host Ryan Seacrest poses with American Idol judges (L-R) Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 20, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: Executive producer and TV personality Simon Cowell displays his Founders award in the press room during the 38th International Emmy Awards at the New York Hilton and Towers on November 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 11: Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden attend the press launch for the new series of 'Britain's Got Talent' at ICA on April 11, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

MIAMI BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Simon Cowell and Eric Cowell are sighted on the beach in Miami Florida. on February 24, 2014 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Dave Lee/GC Images)

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 03: Simon Cowell is seen as he gets on a Vespa for a scooter ride on March 03, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell attend the press night of 'I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical' at London Palladium on March 26, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Simon Cowell with his Outstanding Contribution to Entertainment award and Lauren Silverman during the Elle Style Awards 2015 at Sky Garden @ The Walkie Talkie Tower on February 24, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Simon Cowell arrives at The X Factor Auditions at Wembley on July 21, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by SAV/GC Images)

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NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt added: "Simon knows this format better than anyone and he's been producing the show with us since the beginning, so we're thrilled to have him to step in front of the camera and take his rightful place at the head of the judges' panel. We welcome him to the on-screen NBC family."

Cowell will continue his role as executive producer of "AGT." After leaving the American Idol judges table, Cowell went on to be a judge on the U.S. version of "The X Factor."

"As the creator of the 'Got Talent' format, he genuinely loves the show more than anyone and is uniquely qualified as we take 'AGT' into its next decade," said Paul Telegdy, president, alternative and late night programming, NBC Entertainment. "We can't wait to see the incredible acts the show will uncover as we head into season 11."

FremantleMedia North America entertainment president and "AGT" executive producer Trish Kinane added: "Quite simply, Simon Cowell is one of the best judges of talent in the world. He has a brilliant ability to identify acts with raw talent and develop them into superstars. We are delighted to have Simon's honest critique at the judges table for season 11 of AGT, entertaining audiences and sparking conversation as we search for America's next great talent."

The past season of "America's Got Talent" on NBC averaged 12.5 million viewers overall, its most-watched season in four years, making the show the No. 1 summer alternative series in total viewers for the tenth year in a row.

Auditions for the upcoming 11th season of AGT are currently underway, with the show auditioning hopefuls in Detroit on Nov. 7 before stopping in 12 U.S. cities including New York (Nov. 14), Phoenix (Dec. 3), Salt Lake City (Dec. 5), Las Vegas (Dec. 6) and San Jose (Dec. 8).